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Stoke boss Pulis hails Delap after stunning Arsenal win

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis was full of praise for Rory Delap after their 2-1 win over Arsenal.

The Irish midfielder put the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor in the shade with an all-action display, but his ability to cause mayhem in the penalty area with his long, flat throws - which set up Ricardo Fuller and Seyi Olofinjana - will again dominate the headlines.

And for Pulis, that is no bad thing.

He has been keen in the past to deflect attention away from Delap's trademark, but now he admits the comments the set-piece is receiving could be working in the Potters' favour.

"It causes so many problems," said Pulis.

"I think it's because they're so flat. They're not lofted into the air, he throws it pretty flat and it's very difficult for defenders to pick up the flight.

"I think the media have helped as well, though. With the publicity that has surrounded the long throw, people are worried to death before he even throws it.

"Although they are aware of it we have scored a lot of goals from it. We do look dangerous, even today, from it and it's very, very difficult to stop it."

Pulis, though, was characteristically eager to share the praise around his hard-working side, who prospered against a Gunners side missing Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie - all dropped to the bench as Arsene Wenger changed things in the aftermath of the thrilling midweek draw with Tottenham.

"It was a fantastic result for this football team, for the squad and the city," he continued.

"Arsenal are a good team. Actually, good team? They are a great team with a great manager.

"The togetherness we showed, working so hard off the ball, was first class.

"The midfield four blocked things up for them, the two up front worked so hard and Mama (Sidibe) was so important. We knew we couldn't get outnumbered in midfield and he's worked so hard, been so unselfish. It's not just him though, they've all had a go."